#16: Intervention Mk 2 Proposal – The Library of Meaning
Before I can consider how to create The Bardo experience mentioned in my previous post, I think I have to construct the foundation stones for the project: The Archetypes.
I am in the process of creating a selection of archetype books. I have bought a load of old hardback books, inside I have cut out a space in which I will store the archetype cards, these are block printed images mounted on card with the meaning of the archetype written on the back. I plan to make about 60 of these books in total covering four categories of archetypes; Selves, Places, Tools and Revelations. To source these archetypes I have relied on a selection of archetype cards, mainly those created by Kim Krans and Caroline Myss. I have also sought out the guidance of Kristina Dryza (http://www.kristinadryza.com) an archetypal consultant and expert in the field.
I plan to construct a Library of Meaning to house the books. This will be a space designed for the purpose of reflection and connection, taking inspiration from the architecture of sacred spaces. There will be space in the library for discussion, private contemplation and perhaps even prayer. To advise me on this I have sought the guidance of an experienced sculptor who has been working under Anish Kapoor for over a decade. I am keen to use his expertise in materials and composition to design a space that influences the well being of the people who enter it.
Participants who enter the library will be able to browse the collection, as well as being able to reflect upon the definitions of the archetypes that I have created, there will also be an opportunity for people to write down their own meanings related to the archetypes and add them to the books.
If people wish, they will be able to sit in consultation with me. After a brief ‘warm-up’ exercise to to increase mindfulness in the present moment I will ask them to tell me the story of their life, we will reflect on their story together and I will talk in more depth about the power of archetypal symbology and how it can influence the way we reflect on our story. I will then give them a small book titled ‘Archetype Journal ‘ which contains a number of prompts such as;
– The Self that has manifested in the past
– The Self I intent to manifest in the future
– The Place I have been
– The place I am going
I will then invite them to browse the library and select the archetypes that resonate with them, take the cards and place them in their book. They can also add their own meaning to their book however they see fit. I will inform them that this can be a place to record the ways that they notice these archetypes manifesting in their lives.
The aim of this intervention are:
– To test how I can encourage people to reflect on the story of their lives by casting themselves as the narrator rather than the characters of their story, who are subject to the vicissitudes of the plot.
– To empower people with the knowledge that they are in control of how they reflect on their story.
– To create distance in the participant between their higher or ‘observer’ self and the events that have happened to them. This is an important skill in mindfulness meditation that can improve wellbeing and contribute to a happier mind.
– To raise awareness in the participants of how these archetypes influence their thoughts and actions in their day to day lives.
I will reflect on these aims by a feedback form after the experience, I will also contact the participants two weeks after the experience to gather their reflections on how the experience might have affected their perspective in the longer term.